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Sinn Féin to launch new Workers' Rights policy

Speaking today, on International
Worker’s Memorial Day, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Employment and Workers
Rights, Arthur Morgan TD, again called for the introduction in Ireland of
Corporate Manslaughter legislation and announced that Sinn Féin would launch
its new Workers’ Rights policy in Dublin tomorrow to coincide with May
Day celebrations in the capital.

Arthur Morgan said, “On International
Workers’ Memorial day it is important to take account of the issue of
workers’ safety here in Ireland. Fifty work-related deaths were
reported to the 26 County Health and Safety Authority in 2006, with the
construction sector being the most dangerous for workers. Two hundred and
twelve workers were fatally injured in the workplace in the Six Counties in
2005/6. And already this year, there has been a completely unacceptable
level of deaths in the workplace.

“It is a matter of grave concern that
no employer has served a prison sentence for negligence resulting in the
death of a worker and that penalties for workplace fatalities vary
considerably. Only by putting in place effective deterrents can we ensure
that these needless deaths cease.

“Corporate Manslaughter legislation,
already in place in many countries, is a key tool in the battle to reduce
workplace accidents and fatalities. Earlier this month Sinn Féin introduced
legislation in the Dáil that would create the offence of Corporate
Manslaughter in Irish law. The implementation of such legislation remains an
urgent requirement.

“Tomorrow Sinn Féin will launch a new,
comprehensive and wide-ranging policy on the issue of workers’ rights. This
will set out our determination to build a society where workers are enabled
to use their power for the collective good, where workers’ contribution to
society is acknowledged through fair working conditions and return on their
labour, and where all workers can enjoy work/life balance.

“Sinn Féin is determined to stamp out
the exploitation of workers in Ireland and across the globe. We wish to
extend social protections for all workers and pensioners and to replace
current weak labour regulation and non-enforcement with comprehensive
regulation and stringent enforcement.

“Our policy document makes a number of
innovative and far-reaching proposals which can contribute significantly to
improving the conditions for workers and pensioners in Ireland.

“The launch coincides with May Day
celebrations in the capital and we are encouraging party members to attend
such events over the coming days in Dublin, Belfast and elsewhere around the
country.” ENDS